fN'** 


The  duty  and  reward  of  evangelizing  the  Heathen: 


DELIVERED  IN  NEWBURYPORT, 

LORD^S  DAY  EVEJS'mGf 


NEWBURYPQRT  ! 

PRINTED  BY  WILLIAM  B.  ALLEN  & CO. 
AND  FOR  SALE  AT  THE  NEWBURTFORT  B90K-9T0RF-. 

13,  Cosh  Hill.. 

.1815. 


A 


OCTOBER  22,1815. 


BY  HORATIO  BARDWELL, 


ONE  OF  THE  MISSIONARIES  TO  CEYLON. 


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THE  following  Discourse  was  delivered  to  a nu- 
merous and  attentive  auditori/f  the  Evening  previous 
to  the  embarcation  of  the  preacher,  and  his  companions, 
on  a Mission  to  the  Island  of  Ceylon-  It  is  now  pub- 
lished in  the  hope  that  it  may  aid  in  cherishing  and  ex- 
tending the  missionary  spirit  which  has  recently  a- 
woke  in  our  country.  An  ardent  wish  to  promote  an 
object  so  interesting,  prevailed  on  Mr.  Bardwell  to 
resign  the  Sermon,  neither  transcribed  nor  corrected, 
for  publication.  With  a few  circumstantial  correc- 
tions, made  by  his  request,  it  is  now  commended  to  the 
candor  of  the  Christian  qmblic,  and  the  blessing  of 
Godf 


> " 


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SERMON 


PROVERBS,  11,  21. 

THERE  IS  THAT  SCATTERETH,  AND  YET  INCREASETH  ; AND  THERE  IS 

THAT  WITHHOLDETH  MORE  THAN  IS  MEET,  BUT  IT  TENDETH  TO 
POVERTY. 

The  world  was  made  by,  and  for  Christ. — 
To  display  the  glory  of  God,  through  the  existence 
and  prosperity  of  the  church,  were  the  heavens  spread 
as  a curtain  over  our  heads,  and  the  foundations  of  the 
earth  established. 

All  the  manifestations  which  God  has  made  of  him- 
self  to  mankind,  hear  an  intimate  relation  to  the  estab- 
lishment and  final  extension  of  the  Redeemer’s  king- 
dom ; which  is  destined  to  become  great,  and  to  fill 
the  whole  earth. 

In  all  these  manifestations,  the  divine  benevolence 
is  conspicuously  seen.  From  the  first  morning  of  cre>. 
ation  to  the  present  moment,  good-will  to  man,  has 
been  inscribed  on  the  works  and  providence  of  Jeho- 
vah. 

God  is  a being  of  infinite  benevolence.  To  mani- 
fest this  character  to  his  rational  creatures,  in  the  ful- 
lest manner  possible,  he  has  revealed,  and  is  carrying 
into  operation,  his  designs  of  mercy  and  grace,  through 
the  death  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

In  the  accomplishment  of  this  glorious  system,  the 
great  Head  of  the  church  most  reasonably  requires  the 
concurrence  and  co-operation  of  his  creatures.  The 
divine  constitution,  respecting  the  church,  is  such,  that 
human  instrumentality  is  necessary.  Men  must  be 
co-workers  with  Christ.  Not  because  God  is  not  aide 
to  carry  on  his  own  work  without  them,  but  because 
thus  it  hath  seemed  good  in  his  sight. 

How  gi’eat  is  the  honour,  to  be  employed  in  the 
same  work  with  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ! — In  the  same 
work,  which  engages  the  attention  of  saints  and  angels 


6 


in  heaven  ! In  that  cause  which  will  at  length  pre^ 
vail,  and  rise  triumphant  above  all  the  efforts  of  its 
enemies  ! 

In  this  glorious  cause,  my  brethren,  we  are  permit- 
ted, yea,  we  are  commanded  to  engage  : — and  through 
Christ  strengthening  us,  we  can  do  much.  By  our 
prayers,  by  our  influence,  and  by  our  property,  we  can 
do  much. 

Besides,  those  who  devote  their  time,  their  talents 
and  their  wealth  to  the  promotion  of  this  benevolent 
object,  will  not  be  losers.  The  cause  in  which  they 
labour,  is  the  Lord’s,  and  he  is  able  to  return  into 
their  bosoms  an  hundred  fold,  and  he  icill  do  it.  Not 
one  sacrifice  made  for  Christ  shall  ever  pass  unrewar- 
ded. The  word  of  the  immutable  Jehovah  is  fledged. 

He  that  watereth,  shall  also  himself  be  watered.^’ 

Those,  and  those  only,  use  the  world  as  not  abus- 
ing it,  who  consecrate  it  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  in- 
scribe upon  all  their  possessions,  Holiness  unto  the 
Lord.’’ 

Those,  who  thus  obey  the  divine  command,  shall 
not  lose  their  reward.  They  shall  obtain  a blessing 
from  the  Lord. — They  have  no  reason  to  expect,  as  a 
general  thing,  tliat  their  pecuniary  stock  will  be  di- 
minished, by  acts  of  benevolence.  For  he  that  glv- 
eth  to  the  poor,  lendeth  unto  thef  Lovd,’^  in  whose  hands 
are  the  treasures  of  the  earth.  God  is  pleased  with 
the  cheerful  giver,  and  will  restore  unto  him  double. 
Yea,  durable  riches  and  righteousness  shall  be  his  re- 
ward. 

AVhilc  the  miser  bolts  his  coffers  and  hardens  his 
heart  against  the  cry  of  poverty,  and  the  wants  of  the 
miserable,  he  is  starving  his  soul  with  eternal  famine. 
His  gold  and  his  silver  will  testify  against  him,  and 
prey  upon  his  peace  forever.  But  the  liberal  soul 
shall  be  made/ttf.”  By  giving  to  the  poor,  and  dis- 
persing abroad,  he  is  not  only  laying  up  treasures  in 
heaven,  but  he  is  communicating  happiness  to  others, 
and  glorifying  the  King  of  Zion. 

My  hearers,  the  sentiment  of  my  text  is  applicable 


to  men  in  almost  every  station  and  relation  in  life.  It 
is,  no  doubt,  designed  to  enforce  this  practical  truth, 
that  the  way  to  obtain  true  riches  is  to  lend  unto  the 
Lord  : — To  view  ourselves  as  stewards  of  the  Lord’s 
treasure,  aud  with  feelings  of  true  benevolence  to  em- 
brace every  opportunity  of  supplying  the  wants  of  our 
fellow-men. 

It  is  my  present  design  to  apply  the  sentiment  of 
the  text-to  the  subject  of  evangelizing  the  heathen. 

My  hearers,  when  we  look  abroad  in  the  earth,  we 
see,  comparatively,  nothing  but  darkness  and  death. 
The  desolations,  which  sin  has  made,  are  spread  far 
and  wide.  The  prince  of  darkness  holds  almost  an 
undivided  dominion.  Cast  your  eye  on  the  map  of 
the  world. — How  small  a portion  of  the  whole  do  you 
sec  illuminated  by  the  Sun  of  llighteousness. 

On  our  own  continent,  how  many  ignorant  and  mer- 
ciless beings  have  come  to  our  knowledge  ! And  we 
may  reasonably  suppose  that  still  greater  numbers  are 
to  be  found  in  the  vast  wilderness  between  the  Missi- 
sippi  and  the  Pacific  Ocean.  These  uncultivated 
wilds  ought  not  to  be  forgotten,  though  more  promis- 
ing fields  for  present  labour  are  to  be  found. 

Behold  the  degraded  state  of  the  poor  Africans. — 
Despised  and  depressed  by  civilized  nations,  they  are- 
immersed  in  more  than  midnight  darkness,  save  a few 
scattered  rays,  which  beam  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  by  the  instrumentality  of  a R'icherevy  a Van- 
dev  Kemp,  and  their  worthy  successors,  whose  praise 
is  in  all  the  churches.” 

Nor  should  the  numerous  and  fertile  Islands  in  the 
Southern  and  Pacific  Oceans  be  forgotten.  Islands 
peopled  with  immortal,  yet  dying  creatures,  and  all, 
with  a very  few  exceptions,  living  and  dying  in  sin  ; 
-destitute  of  the  delicious  comforts  of  civilized  life,  and 
ignorant  of  the  only  Saviour  of  sinners. 

Cast  your  eyes,  for  a moment,  to  the  East.  View 
that  vast  and  populous  continent,  with  its  adjacent  Isl- 
ands. Here  you  behold  500,000,000  of  immortal 
souls,  almost  wholly  undejc  the  influence  of  abomina- 


H 


ble  idolatry  : — Pagans,  practising  the  most  absurd, 
cruel,  and  detestable  rites, — or  Mahometans,  sunk  in 
sensuality  and  sloth,  inflated  with  pride,  and  the  am. 
bition  of  proselyting  with  the  sword. 

Over  this  vast  number  of  human  beings,  darkness 
that  may  be  felt  spreads  its  gloomy  wings.  Not  one 
ray  of  gospel  light  points  out  to  them  the  path  to  hea- 
ven. Idols,  horrid  as  obscene,  fill  every  pagoda.  Al- 
tars are  planted  under  every  green  tree,  to  testify  to 
the  world,  that  the  true  God  is  not  known. 

In  this  widely  extended  and  populous  part  of  the 
world,  the  door  seems  to  be  opening  for  the  spread  of 
the  gospel.  Though  they  are  far  removed  from  us, 
yet  we  can  have  access  to  them,  and  the  prospects  of 
extensive  usefulness  seem,  at  present,  to  be  more  flat- 
tering, than  in  any  other  part  of  the  heathen  world. 

In  view  of  the  deplorable  state  of  the  heathen,  and 
tlie  duty  which  presses  upon  the  chui*ch,  of  putting  the 
means  of  life  into  their  hands  ; let  me  solicit  your  at. 
tention  to  the  doctrine  of  my  text,  in  this  connexion. 

Exertions  made  to  evangelize  the  Heathen, 

WILL  NOT  IMPOVERISH,  BUT  ENRICIin'HE  ClIURCH. 

However  contrary  this  sentiment  may  be  to  the  feel- 
ings and  maxims  of  the  world,  still  it  is  capable  of  sat- 
isfactory proof,  both  from  scripture  and  facts  ; and  that 
too,  not  on  the  ground  of  miraculous  providence,  but 
on  those  common  principles  by  which  God  deals  with 
the  church. 

1.  Exertions,  made  to  evangelize  the  heathen  tend 
to  impress  upon  the  church  the  value  of  the  gospel. 

Those  who  have  been  educated  under  the  light  of 
the  gospel,  are  exceedingly  prone  to  undervalue  this 
inestimable  treasure.  And  in  exact  proportion  as 
Christians  undervalue  the  gospel,  they  undervalue  that 
which  makes  them  to  difter  from  the  degraded  hea- 
then, and  slight  the  greatest  gift  that  God  ever  bestow- 
ed upon  mankind. 

In  no  way  do  men  so  clearly  see  the  value  of  their 


0 


blessings,  as  by  contrasting  their  situation  and  pros- 
pects with  those  of  the  destitute. 

This  contrast  will  be  continually  presented  to  the 
minds  of  those  who  engage  in  the  noble  work  of  evan- 
gelizing the  heathen.  They  will  see  and  feel,  that 
the  gospel  is  the  great  means,  in  the  hand  of  God,  of 
delivering  them  from  darkness  and  infidelity,  and  open- 
ing to  them  those  glories  which  eye  hath  not  seen, 
nor  ear  heard,  neither  hath  it  entered  into  the  heart  of 
man  to  conceive.” 

It  is  a fact,  my  brethren,  that  the  more  you  exert 
your  iniluence  to  spread  the  knowledge  of  the  Re- 
deemer, the  more  highly  will  you  prize  this  blessed 
volume,  which  brings  life  and  immortality  to  light. 

While  you  see  its  glorious  inttuence  in  prostrating 
the  idols  of  the  heathen,  you  will  have  additional  evi- 
dence of  its  divine  original.  While  you  arc  labouring 
and  praying  to  communicate  this  divine  treasure  to  the 
blind  votaries  of  paganism,  a celestial  flame  will  be 
enkindled  in  your  OAvn  breasts.  Returning  to  the  pe- 
rusal of  the  sacred  pages,  the  pious  heart  M ill  exclaim 
with  new  ardor,  O how  love  I thy  laM'  ; it  is  my 
meditation  all  the  day  !” 

3.  Exertions  made  by  Christians,  to  evangelize  the 
heathen,  greatly  increase,  and  call  into  exercise,  feel- 
ings of  Christian  benevolence. 

The  spirit  of  the  gospel  is  a spirit  of  benevolence. 
Where  this  temper  is  Avanting,  true  religion  is  Avant- 
iug.  And  Avhere  Uiis  abounds,  the  church  Avill  be  rich 
in  faith  and  good  Avorks. 

So  long  as  every  man  cares  for  his  oMm,  and  no  one 
for  the  things  of  another,  the  christiau  graces  are  en- 
feebled, and  the  cause  of  Christ  languishes.  That 
course  of  conduct,  then,  which  has  the  greatest  tenden- 
cy to  promote  among  Christians  a spirit  of  enlarged 
beneA^olence,  is  the  best  calculated  to  enrich  and  adorn 
the  church. 

The  benevolent  spirit  of  the  gospel  is  a spirit  AAdiicli 
impels  to  action.  It  is  increased  by  exercise.  Like 
the  small  rivulet  fed  by  tributary  streams,  though 
15 


10 


scarcely  noticeable  in  its  beginning,  it  at  length  be- 
comes great,  and  like  the  river  of  Egypt,  spreads  fer- 
tility and  beauty  all  around  it. 

It  is  a fact,  corroborated  by  the  testimony  of  thou- 
sands, that  the  more  active  Christians  are,  in  looking 
into  the  necessities  and  supplying  the  wants  of  the  des- 
titute, the  more  liberal  are  their  feelings,  and  the  more 
unlimited  their  exertions. 

As  well  may  the  rush  grow  without  mire,  or  the 
reed  without  water,  as  evangelical  benevolence,  in  the 
breast  of  that  man,  whose  prayers  and  exertions  arc 
confined  to  himself. 

Look  at  Christ,  our  great  example  of  benovolence  ! 
— Daily  and  hourly  engaged  in  acts  of  humanity  aui 
kindness. — Look  at  his  first  disciples.  How  did  they 
arrive  at  such  eminence  in  the  divine  life  ? — By  fol- 
lowing the  footsteps  of  their  Master — by  engaging 
personally  in  the  benevolent  work  of  evangelizing  the 
heathen. — Behold  the  great  apostle  of  the  Grentiles  ! 
How  did  he  attain  to  such  a measure  of  the  spirit  of 
Christ  ? What  course  did  he  pursue  to  become  so 
much  assimilated  to  the  great  Head  of  the  church  ? By 
labouring  niglit  and  day — by  encountering  perils  and 
hardships  both  by  sea  and  land — by  fasting  and 
prayer,  that  the  blessings  of  the  gospel'  might  be  dis- 
seminated through  the'earth; 

He  at  length  became  so  entirely  engrossed  in  the 
cause  of  tlie  church,  that  he  almost  forgot  himself.  I 
could  wish  myself  accursed  from  Christ,  fm’  my  breth- 
ren and  kinsmen  according  to  the  flesh.”  He  count- 
ed not  Ids  own  life  dea.r  to  him,  that  he  might  preach 
.lesus  Christ,  and  him  crucified,  and  thereby  save  the 
souls  of  his  fellow-men,  and  glorify  his  beloved  Sa- 
viour. 

My  hearers,  look  around  upon  those  within  the  cir- 
cle of  your  acquaintance. — Who  are  those  individuals 
that  most  exemplify  the  spirit  of  Christ,  and  who  ap- 
pear to  derive  the  greatest  consolation  in  the  duties 
and  exercises  of  religion  ? Are  they  not  those  who 
have  been  in  the  habit  of  using  their  influence,  of  con- 


il 


tributing  their  property,  and  of  supplicating  the  throne 
of  grace,  in  behalf  of  the  miserable  and  destitute  ? 

My  brethren,  do  yon  desire  to  he  delivered  from  a 
selfish,  worldly  spirit — do  you  wish  for  that  consola- 
tion which  results  from  a likeness  to  the  blessed  Je- 
sus ? Turn  not  a deaf  ear  to  the  cry  of  misery,  bin- 
gage  actively  in  the  pleasing  work  of  extending  the 
borders  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom. 

3.  Exertions  made  to  evangelize  the  heathen,  will 
have  a most  happy  tendency  to  unite  the  church. 

A house  divided  against  itself  cannot  stand.” 
Though  Christians  cannot  be  called  enemies,  yet  there 
often  exists  a sinful  coldness  of  afleetion  to  each  other. 

This  sometimes  rises  to  such  a height  as  to  destroy 
Christian  communion,  and  greatly  to  dishonour  the 
cause  of  Christ. 

There  is  a strange  propensity  in  Christians  to  suffer 
difference  of  sentiment,  though  comparatively  unim- 
portant, to  extinguish,  or  at  least  suppress,  those  feel- 
ings of  Christian  fellowship,  which  should  unite  them 
as  a band  of  brothers. 

The  attention  of  the  church  is  often  too  much  occu- 
pied with  idle  speculations  on  subjects  of  minor  im- 
portance, which  often  terminate  in  empassioned  dis- 
cussions, and  even  in  acrimonious  disputings.  Chris- 
tians are  prone  to  tithe,  mint,  anise  and  cummin, 
while  they  neglect  the  weightier  matters  of  the  law.” 

To  remedy  this  evil,  both  as  it  respects  personal  en- 
joyment, and  the  honour  of  Christ’s  cause,  let  Chris- 
tians remember  the  great  design  of  Christ’s  coming  in-  * 
to  the  world.  Let  them  fix  their  eye  on  that  object 
for  which  they  were  redeemed  from  the  powers  of 
dai’kness.  Let  them  follow  the  footsteps  of  the  apos- 
tles, in  striving  to  build  up  that  kingdom  which  is 
righteousness  and  peace  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

No  object  has  ever  bad  a more  happy  influence  in 
removing  personal  and  party  prejudice  among  Chris- 
tians of  the  same,  and  of  different  denominations,  than 
that  of  christianizing  the  heathen.  We  need  only 
cast  our  eyes  on  the  various  reports  of  the  numerous 


13 


missionary  and  bible  societies,  in  England,  and  on 
the  Continent,  for  full  evidence  of  this.  One  spirit 
actuates  them.  The  great  question  is,  how  can  we 
most  faciliate  the  circulation  of  the  word  of  life. 

Christians  of  different  denominations  reciprocally 
assemble  in  multitudes,  to  celebrate  the  joyful  anni- 
versaries of  these  benevolent  societies.  While  they 
listen  with  eager  attention  to  the  successes  of  their 
mutual  exertions,  their  hearts  are  warmed  with  love  to 
one  another,  and  glow  with  an  increasing  flame  of  be- 
nevolence towards  the  heathen.  With  cordiality  they 
extend  the  hand  of  Christian  fellowship.  After  ming- 
ling their  prayers  to  God  for  the  perishing  heathen, 
and  for  his  blessing  upon  their  pious  efforts,  they  joy- 
fully unite  in  commemorating  the  death  of  their  com- 
mon Saviour.  Here  every  party  feeling  is  laid  aside, 
and  united  thanksgiving  crowns  the  sacred  feast.  Yes, 
my  brethren,  the  angels  of  God  view  with  rapture 
such  interesting  scenes,  and  hail  them  as  the  com- 
mencement of  happier  days. 

May  we  not  confidently  expect,  that  this  great  work 
of  evangelizing  the  heathen  will  dispel  every  unchris- 
tian feeling,  and  1)e  the  instrument  of  uniting  the  hearts 
and  exertions  of  Christians,  till  the  fellowship  of  the 
church  on  earth  shall  be  like  that  above  ? 

d.  The  exertions  of  the  -church  to  evangelize  the 
heathen,  will  confound  infidels. 

No  weapon  formed  against  the  church  shall  pros- 
per, but  none  has  ever  had  a more  threatening  aspect, 
than  that  which  unbelievers  have  fabricated,  from  ma- 
terials made  ready  to  their  hands,  by  the  professed 
disciples  of  Christ. 

Hloth  and  indifference  in  religion  are  so  repugnant 
to  the  doctrines  and  spirit  of  the  gospel,  that  the  ene- 
my thinks  he  has  strong  ground  of  objection,  when  he 
sees  the  inactivity  of  Christians.  It  was  once  romark- 
ed  by  a violent  enemy  of  Christianity, — Were  I a 
Christian,  I would  outlive  them  all.” 

My  brethren,  shall  we  endure  this  ? Shall  we  cru- 
cify the  Son  of  God  afresh  ? God  forbid  that  we 


13 


should  dishonour  that  holy  name  by  which  we  are 
called  ! 

'I’he  infidel  boldly  says,  The  llihle  is  not  the  word 
of  iiod  ; if  it  were,  it  would  have  been  sent  to  all  man- 
kind. Christians  do  not  believe  that  this  is  the  only 
guide  to  heaven,  or  they  would  not  be  so  indifferent 
res[)ecting  its  circulation. 

Now  if  christiaus  were  to  arise,  with  united  zeal 
and  activity,  and  employ  their  time,  their  talents,  and 
their  property,  for  the  extension  of  the  church,  the 
mouth  of  the  infidel  would  be  shut.  His  weapon  would 
he  turned  against  himself.  He  would  be  compelled 
to  acknowledge,  There  is  a divine  reality  in  the 
Christian  religion.’^ 

How  active  has  been  that  potent  combination  of  in- 
fidels ou  the  Continent  of  Eui-ope,  in  the  last  century  ! 

No  moans  uere  left  untried  to  spread  their  nefarious 
principles,  and  (to  use  their  own  blasphemous  lan- 
guage) to  crush  the  wretch.’’ 

How  should  their  activity  stimulate  us  ! Let  us,  my 
brethren,  in  the  heavenly  spirit  of  the  apostles,  and 
with  the  indefatigable  activity  of  these  sons  of  Beli- 
al,” engage  in  spreading  the  doctrines  of  the  cross, 
and  what  might  we  not  expect  ? The  Holy  Spirit 
would  crown  our  efforts  abroad,  and  shed  his  blessed 
influence  on  the  churches  at  home. 

Let  Christians,  instead  of  conforming  to  customs  of 
the  world,  unite  all  their  efforts  in  spreading  the  gos- 
pel among  their  own  countrymen,  and  the  destitute 
heathen  ; and  more  would  be  done  to  stop  the  mouths 
of  gainsayers,  than  could  be  effected  by  the  eloquence 
of  ten  thousand  preachers. 

5.  The  exertions  of  the  church  to  evangelize  the 
heathen,  w ill  dratv  down  the  influences  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  upon  ourselves,  and  our  country. 

The  Christian  is  never  more  happy,  than  tvhen  en- 
gaged in  acts  of  benevolence  to  his  fellow -men.  His 
reward  is  not  only  in  heaven,  but  in  the  present  feel- 
ings of  his  heart.  He  knows  by  experience,  that  it  * 
is  more  blessed  to  give,  than  to  receive.” 


14 


✓ 


^ But  this  is  not  all-  Exertions  made  to  save  the  souls 
of  the  heathen,  will  prove  a most  efficacious  means  of 
grace  to  ourselves,  and  our  countrymen. 

There  are  many  pious  and  respectable  Christians, 
♦^vho  cannot  think  it  the  dpty  of  the  American  church- 
es to  send  away  missionaries  to  foreign  lands,  as  long 
as  there  are  so  many  destitute  churches,  so  many  im- 
penitent sinners,  and  so  many  heathen  in  our  own 
land.  But  here,  the  maxim  ot  the  text  has  a powerful 
application.  “ There  is  that  withholdeth  more  than 
is  meet,  but  it  tendeth  to  poverty.” 

It  is  indeed  a melancholy  fact,  that  the  labourers 
are  so  few,  in  comparison  with  the  harvest  at  home. 

How  shall  we  deliver  our  neighbours  and  country- 
men from  the  kingdom  of  darkness  ? — Let  us  act  up- 
on this  gospel  principle,  that  he  who  does  good  to  oth- 
ers, has  the  most  certain  prospect  of  receiving  good  to 
himself. 

In  no  way  may  we  so  reasonably  expect  a revival  of 
religion  amoiig  ourselves,  as  by  sending  the  gospel,  to- 
gether with  a multitude  of  ils  publishers,  to  heathen 
nations.  This  is  a truth  not  only  taught  in  the  word 
of  God,  but  abundantly  confirmed  by  the  history  of  the 
church  in  all  ages. 

There  never  has  been  so  much  religion  in  Great 
Britain,  as  since  they  have  tprned  their  attention  to  the 
heathen.  The  same  may  be  said  concerning  all  Chris- 
tian societies,  in  all  parts  of  the  world.  And,  my 
hearers,  does  not  our  own  experience  accord  with  this 
principle  ? No  event  has  ever  excited  the  attention, 
and  enkindled  the  devotion  of  our  churches,  more  tlian 
our  mission,  which  has  recently  been  established  in 
the  East. 

AYhen  have  our  churches  been  more  flourishing  ? — 
AVhen  has  there  been  a greater  number  of  religious  a- 
wakenings  ? When  has  the  Holy  Spirit  descended 
more  copiously  upon  our  Colleges,  and  Seminaries  of 
learning  ? AVlien  has  there  been  a greater  number  of 
* learned  and  pious  preachers  of  the  gospel  ; and  when 
have  the  destitute  parts  of  our  country  been  blessed 


15 


with  the  prcachin.^  of  the  gospel,  more  thnn  at  the 
j)resent  day  ? — 'Hie  Lord  will  verify  liis  promise — 

The  liberal  soul  shall  be  made  fat.” 

AVe  may  setthis  down  as  a truth,  that  we  never  shall, 
on  the  whole,  be  more  destitute,  by  imparting  to  the 
heathen  the  bread  of  life.  Yea,  may  we  not  reasona- 
bly expect,  and  that  too  on  gospel  principles,  that  re- 
ligion will  revive  at  home,  in  exact  proportion  to  the 
eflorts  we  make  to  send  it  abroad?  Where  one  mis- 
sionary is  scut  to  the  heathen,  may  we  not  hope  that 
faithful  preachers  will  be  raised  up  at  home,  in  a ten- 
fold proportion  ? 

With  truth  has  it  been  said,  that  religion  is  a com-, 
modity  of  which  the  more  we  export,  the  more  we 
have  remaining.” 

While  Christians  are  labouring  and  praying  for  the 
benighted  heathen,  the  Holy  S[m  it  will  descend  upon 
them,  as  rain  upon  the  mown  grass.  While  they  arc 
striving  to  raise  pagan  idolaters  from  their  miserable 
and  dangerous  condition,  their  hands  w ill  be  strength- 
ened by  the  rapid  increase  of  praying  souls  around 
them.  While  they  are  striving  to  impart  to  the  chil- 
dren and  youth,  in  heathen  lands,  the  blessing  of  civi- 
lization, and  the  richer  blessings  of  the  gospel,  their 
own  children  will  feel  the  sacred  impulse  ; will  start 
into  life  by  their  side,  and  consecrate  the  morning  of 
their  days  to  God. 

I have  now  attempted,  as  was  proposed,  to  illus- 
trate and  prove  the  sentiment  of  my  text,  by  show  ing 
that  exertions  to  send  the  gospel  to  the  heathen,  would 
have  a happy  tendency  on  the  church,  by  enhancing 
tlieir  estimation  of  the  gospel — by  exercising  and 
strengthening  the  feelings  of  benevolence — by  promot- 
ing union  among  Christians — by  stopping  the  mouths 
of  infidels — and  by  drawing  down  the  influences  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  around  them. 

In  view  of  this  subject,  I am  led  to  remark, 

1.  On  the  reasonableness  of  the  command  of  Christ 
to  his  disciples^  “ Go  prcaeli  the  gospel  to  every  crea- 
ture.” 


16 


This  command  though  primarily  given  to  the  twelve 
apostles,  is  nevertheless  binding  on  Christians  in  eve- 
ry age  of  the  cliurch.  So  long  as  there  is  a single 
heathen  on  earth,  the  church  is  laid  under  the  most 
solemn  obligation  to  “ preach  to  him  the  gospel.” 

♦ If  any  doubt  remain,  respecting  the  general  appli- 
cation of  this  command,  it  must  surely  be  removed  by 
a consideration  of  tlie  promise  annexed  : Lo,  I am 

with  you  alway,  even  to  the  end  of  the  world.”  The 
command  must  be  coextensive  with  the  promise.  In 
this  passage  then,  Christ  addresses  us.  We  are  com- 
manded to  engage  in  this  benevolent  work.  And  in 
Jt  we  may  all  engage,  according  to  the  true  spirit  of 
the  command.  Though  we  are  not  called,  as  were 
the  apostles,  to  undertake  personally  in  preaching  the 
word,  yet  the  work  is  to  be  carried  on,  so  far  as  means 
are  concerned,  by  tl^  prayers  and  liberality  of  tho 
church  at  home. 

Has  not  Christ  a right  to  give  such  a command  to 
his  followers  ? Clothed  as  he  is  with  Omnipotence, 
and  standing  at  the  head  of  his  church,  who  can  dis- 
pute his  divine  authority  ? 

This  command  is  reasonable.  Who  has  purchased 
your  redemption?  Who  groaned  on  the  cross  to  save 
your  souls  from  death  ? The  same  Being  who  now 
calls  upon  you  to  show  your  love  to  Him,  by  sending 
His  gospel  to  the  Gentiles.  Where  then  is  your  grat- 
itude to  Him  who  not  only  ransomed  you  from  death, 
but  through  whose  blood,  you  derive  all  the  blessings 
of  life  ? Is  it  not  reasonable  that  you  should  render  to 
Him  what  is  already  His  own  ; especially  wlien,  thus 
doing,  you  may  expect  he  will  return  an  hundred-fold 
into  your  own  l)osoms  ? 

God  is  able  to  carry  on  his  work  without  the  agen 
cy  of  his  creatures.  But  this  is  not  according  to  his 
wise  and  benevolent  purposes.  He  well  knows  that 
the  graces  of  his  children  require  exercise  : and  there 
fore  in  love  to  them,  he  gives  them  the  privilege  of  l>e- 
ing  co-workers  with  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  He  has 
left  them  a great  work  to  do — a work  wliich  *lcmauds 


17 


ail  their  time,  and  all  their  talents.  And  he  who  re/' 
fuses  to  exert  himself  in  behalf  of  the  heathen,  not  on- 
ly disobeys  the  rcasoTiable  command  of  Christ,  but 
starves  his  own  soul.  He  will  neither  partake  of  the 
bread  of  life  himself,  nor  help  it  forward  to  those  wlip 
arc  destitute.  • 

S.  From  our  subject,  I am  led  to  remark  on  the  rea- 
sonableness of  the  conduct  of  the  ancient  apostles. 

The  twelve  disciples  were  literally  missionaries. — 
They  were  ordained  and  sent  forth  by  the  great  Head 
of  the  church,  to  proselyte  heathen  nations  to  the  doc- 
trines of  the  cross.  Nor  were  they  disobedient  to  the 
heavenly  call.  They  “ did  not  confer  w ith  flesh  aiul% 
blood.’’  They  did  not  refuse  to  go  to  the  distant  hea- 
then, on  the  pretence  that  much  remained  to  be  done 
at  home.  They  first  gave  thei%own  countrymen  the 
offer  of  salvation,  and  when  their  countrymen  refused 
to  hear  them,  they  turned  to  the  gentiles.  And  when, 
among  the  gentiles,  their  labours  WTre  blessed,  they 
established  churches,  appointed  over  them  rulers  and 
teachers,  and  still  pursued  their  way  to  other  cities  and 
nations — determining  to  spread  the  doctrines  of  the 
cross  as  far  as  lay  in  their  power.  They  explored 
other  regions — travelled  by  sea  and  by  land — visited 
the  most  populous  regions  of  the  w orld,  and  spoke  with 
boldness  in  the  name  of  Jesus.  Pursuing  that  course 
which  the  finger  of  God  pointed  out,  they  feared  nei- 
ther prisons  nor  gibbets.  AVhen  they  were  brought 
before  rulers  and  governors,  Christ  remembered  them, 
and  put  words  into  their  mouths.  When  they  were 
imprisoned,  the  light  of  heaven  cheered  their  dungeon  ; 
and  when  put  to  death,  they  gloried  in  the  sacrifice, 
for  Christ’s  sake. 

If  the  apostles  had  acted  according  to  the  maxims  of 
the  world,  they  w^ould,  probably,  never  have  left  Je- 
rusalem ; for  that  city  was  filled  with  infidels,  and  im- 
penitent sinners.  There  v.  ere  their  friends  and  neigh- 
bours. Why  not  stay  till  they  were  all  converted  to 
the  faith  ? What  then  w’^ould  have  become  of  the  gen- 
tiles ? Where  should  wq  have  been  ? Probably  in 
C 


lieathenisli  darkness.  Instead  of  assembling  in  the 
sanctuary,  and  worshipping  the  true  God,  we  might, 
this  evening,  have  bovt'ed  before  Baal.  Instead  of  pre- 
senting to  Jehovah  of  Hosts  the  pure  sacrifice  of  pray- 
er and  praise,  our  altars  might  have  been  stained  with 
the  blood  of  our  immolated  sons  and  daughters  ; and 
even  our  own  blood  might  have  been  shed  to  appease 
the  anger  of  demons.  Blessed  be  God,  that  through 
the  instrumentality  of  these  pious  missionaries,  our  an- 
cestors became  acquainted  with  the  gospel  of  Christ, 
and  have  transmitted  it  to  us,  their  posterity. 

Let  me  ask,  my  hearers,  do  you  not  approve  of  the 
conduct  and  admire  the  zeal  of  the  apostles  ? Yes.” 
^Vhy  then  are  you  so  indifferent  about  evangelizing  the 
distant  heathen,  at  the  present  day?  Souls  are  as  j)re- 
cious  now,  as  then.  The  prospects  of  success  are  as 
great,  because  Christ  is  still  with  his  missionaries,  even 
to  the  end  of  the  world.  The  hardships  and  dangers 
of  the  undertaking  are  no  greater. 

No  objection  can  be  urged  against  missionary  ef- 
forts, at  the  present  day,  that  will  not  equally  con- 
demn the  conduct  of  Christ  and  his  apostles.  If  then 
any  objection  be  made,  let  it  be  aimed  at  the  great 
Head  of  the  church.  Ho  not  condemn  the  disciple  for 
acting  according  to  the  command  of  his  Lord. 

Finally.  From  a general  view  of  this  subject,  we 
may  see  motives  sufficient  to  justify  the  greatest  exer- 
tions to  send  the  gospel  to  the  heathen. 

It  has,  it  is  believed,  been  proved,  that  the  church 
at  home  will  be  enriched  I)y  such  efforts.  This  alone 
would  seem  to  be  a sufficient  stimulus  to  action.  But 
in  addition  to  this,  be  intreated  to  consider  that  multi- 
tudes of  wretched  heathen  arc  every  day  dropping  in- 
to eternity,  ignorant  of  the  only  w ay  of  life  and  salva- 
tion. ' 

The  field  for  labour  is  truly  large.  But  because  we 
cannot  occupy  the  whole,  shall  we  (juietly  fold  our 
Immls  and  do  nothing  ? AVe  must  select  that  part  of 
tlie  lieathen  world,  which  presents  the  most  favourable 
])ro.specls.  We  ought  not  to  suffer  any  local  or  per- 


19 


sonal  feelings  to  insulate  onv  ellorts,  or  confine  us  ak 
home,  when  Providence  has  opened  a wide  door  to  the 
foreign  heathen.  Xhc  soul  of  a Hindoo,  or  Hottentot, 
though  thousands  of  miles  distant,  is  of  as  much  value, 
and  its  salvation  will  cause  as  much  joy  in  heaven,  as 
the  soul  of  an  American. 

My  hearers,  if  no  higher  motive  could  he  found  to 
stimulate  our  exertions,  than  the  cause  of  hnmaniti/y 
methinks  this  alone  would  he  suilleient.  AVith  what 
liberality  does  the  philanthropist  oj)en  his  hand  to  e- 
rcct  hospitals  and  almshouses  for  the  comfort  of  the 
sick  and  the  poor  ! And  are  there  no  bowels  of  mer- 
cy to  yearn  over  the  self-torturing  pilgrimages  of  tlu^ 
heathen  ? Are  there  no  tears  of  compassion  in  view 
of  the  flaming  pyrc,consuming  the  living  with  the  dead? 

Is  there  no  outstretched  hand,  to  seize  the  drowning 
infant  ? Is  the  arm  of  humanity  palsied,  that  it  can- 
not drag  the  infatuated  wretch  from  under  the  car  of 
Juggernaut  ? 

Here  is  an  ample  field  for  the  philanthropist,  but 
still  j^renter  for  the  Christian.  Here  arc  multitudes  of 
immortal  souls,  not  only  under  the  degrading  influ- 
ence of  superstition,  but  exposed  every  moment  to  eter- 
nal ruiu  ; and  no  friendly  voice  to  tell  them  of  their 
danger,  or  point  out  to  them  the  way  of  escape.  Mis- 
erable beings  ! AVoflld  to  God,  that  there  were  thou- 
saiuls  oi  Brainerds  and  Vander  KemjJS,  to  weep  and.  . 
labour  and  pray  for  their  salvation  ! 

Could  we  but  visit  these  places  of  abomination  and  cru- 
elty, we  could  not  be  indifferent  respecting  their  wretch- 
ed state.  If  one  spark  of  Christian  benevolence  dwell 
in  our  breasts,  it  must  impel  us  to  action.  If  love  to 
perishing  souls  can  stimulate  to  vigorous  efforts  for 
their  salvation,  then  the  friends  of  Christ  cannot  be  in- 
active in  helping  forward  to  the  heathen  the  invaluable 
blessings  of  the  gospel. 

Let  not  distance  of  place  furnish  an  excuse  for  not 
engaging  in  this  great  work.  Let  not  the  self-denials 
and  hardships  of  the  undertaking  deter  us  from  the  at- 
tempt. How  many  hundreds  of  our  countrymen  bid 


^0 


adieu  to  friends  and  country — explore  distant  regions 
— learn  the  most  difficult  languages — expose  them- 
selves to  a thousand  dangers,  in  sultry  and  unhealth- 
ful climates  ; and  all  this  for  a little  shining  dust ; or 
for  that  honour  which  vanishes  before  the  light  of  eter- 
nity. 

How  long  shall  the  children  of  this  world  be  wiser 
in  their  generation  than  the  children  of  liglit? 

Had  you  brothers  and  sisters  in  a distant  heathen 
laud,  under  the  influence  of  pagan  delusion,  would 
you  think  any  sacrifice  of  property,  or  any  labour,  too 
great,  to  impart  to  them  the  sweet  comforts  of  civiliz- 
ed society,  and  to  open  to  them  the  gates  of  heaven  ? 
W ould  not  your  hearts  beat  high  with  joy,  at  the 
thought  of  telling  them  that  human  guilt  was  expiated 
on  Calvary — that  they  have  no  need  of  their  supersti- 
tious and  sanguinary  rites — but  that  repentance  to- 
wards  God,  and  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  con- 
stitute the  only  way  of  deliverance  from  the  wrath  to 
come  ? 

But  the  souls  of  strangers  are  as  precious  as  those 
of  your  kindred. 

Will  it  not  be  a source  of  unspeakable  consolation  , 
to  us,  in  our  dying  hour,  to  reflect,  that  we  have  done 
something  in  this  glorious  twork  of  enlightening  the 
lieathen  ? In  heaven,  my  christmn  brethren,  how'  glo- 
rious the  thought,  of  meeting  the  souls  of  pagans,  ran- 
somed by  the  blood  of  Christ,  and  saved  by  our  in- 
strumentality ! Who  would  not  labour  apd  suffer  and 
die  for  such  an  olvject  ? This  happiness  may  be  ours. 
Shall  we  neglect  the  privilege  ? Shall  wo  despise  the 
blessing  ? If  ice  refuse  to  engage  in  tliis  great  har- 
vest, the  work  will  go  on — Israel  will  be  gathered — 
all  the  enemies  of  Zion  w ill  be  disappointed  and  des- 
troyed. The  work  is  the  Lord’s.  Others  will  be 
raised  up,  with  the  spirit  of  the  first  apostles,  who  will 
rejoice  to  bear  the  precious  gospel  to  the  ends  of  tlie 
earth,  and  receive  the  blessing  ofl'ered  to  us. 

If  then  we  do  any  thing  in  this  blessed  cause,  it  must 
be  done  (juiekly  ; for  the  time  is  at  hand,  when  the 


21 


f 


great  Lord  of  the  harvest  will  call  us  to  render  an  ac- 
count of  our  labours.  And  are  we  prepared  to  give  up 
our  account  ? Will  our  consciences  justify  us  in  say- 
ing that  we  have  improved  our  Lord’s  bounty  to  his 
glory,  and  to  the  salvation  of  perishing  souls  ? 

Once  more.  Let  me  entreat  you,  my  hearers,  to  be 
earnest  at  the  throne  of  grace  for  the  benighted  hea- 
then. ‘f  Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem.’^  In  this 
pleasant  duty,  all  may  engage.  ' In  this  wa;^  every  one 
may  contribute  to  the  great  cause.  Not  one  prayer 
will  be  disregarded.  AV^henever  you  bow  before  the 
throne  of  grace,  think  of  the  millions  that  arc  \yorship- 
ping  dumb  idols.  ‘ Pray  with  confidence  and  perseve- 
t ranee,  Thy  kingdom  come,’’  until  your  faith  is  chan- 


ged into  vision,  and  your  prayers,  into  the  songs  of  an- 
gels. 


A 


HYMN 

Sung  aji  the  deliiiery  of  a valedictory  Discourse,  by  one  of  the  JUis 
sionaries : Tuesday  evening,  Oct.  17, 181S. 

SOVEREIGN,  free  and  pow’rful  grace, 

Saves  the  guilty  race  of  man  ; 

Stays  the  wand’rers  downward  race, 

Consummates  fair  mercy’s  plan. 

Freely  as  we  have  receiv’d, 

Freely  we  our  ofiFerings  bring  ; 

By  thy  grace  our  souls  believ’d. 

Teach  our  lips  that  grace  to  sing. 

Near  the  solemn,  parting  hour, 

' Round  thy  awful  throne  we  bend  j 
Spirit,  grant  thy  quickening  power, 

Let  our  souls  to  heaven  ascend. 

Pardon,  Lord,  the  falling  tear, 

Christians,  sure,  are  born  to  love  ; 

Yet  tho’  separated  here. 

May  we  meet  to  sing  above. 

Gracious  Saviour,  thou  wilt  ne’er 
Leave  the  soul  who  loves  his  God, 

Neither  earth  nor  hell  we  fear. 

While  w'e  trust  thy  precious  blood. 

Let  thy  arm  of  grace  defend. 

These  who  leave  their  native  shore  j 
Winds  and  waves  on  thee  depend, 

All  are  subjects  of  thy  power. 

AVaft  the  ship  to  Ceylon’s  Isle, 

AV'here  in  darkness  Satan  reigns  ; 

Bid  tlie  ransom’d  heathen  smile. 

Break  the  captive  sinner’s  cliains. 

Shield  them  from  the  tempter’s  art, 

Then  their  only  strength  and  stay  j 
Spirit  dwell  in  ev’ry  heart. 

Till  they  reach  the  realms  of  day. 

Now'  our  strains  united  rise — 

Soon  these  mingling  notes  w ill  cease  } 

Saviour,  hear  us  from  tlie  skies, 

Geully  soothe  each  heart  to  peace.. 

When  life’s  varying  scenes  are  o’er. 

And  we  launch  in  death’s  cold  sea. 

May  we  meet  on  Canaan’s  shore. 

Ever  with  thee  let  ns  be. 


23 


The  Missionaries^  Farewell : 

Sung  on  the  same  occasion. 

KINDRED,  and  friends,  and  native  land, 
How  shall  we  say  farewell  ? 

And,  when  our  swelling  sails  expand, 
How  will  ourhosonis  swell  ! 

Yes,  nature,  all  thy  soft  delights. 

And  tender  ties  we  know. 

But  love  more  strong  than  death  unites 
To  Him  that  bids  us  go. 

Thus,  when  our  ev’ry  passion  mov’d. 

The  gushing  tear-drop  starts  : 

The  cause  of  JESUS,  more  helov’d. 

Shall  glow  within  our  hearts. 

The  sighs  we  breathe  for  precious  souls, 
Where  He  is  yet  unknown. 

Might  waft  us  to  the  distant  poles. 

Or  to  the  burning  zone. 

With  the  warm  wish  our  besoms  swell, 
Our  glowing  powers  expand  : 

Farewell,  then, we  can  say  farewell! 
Our  friends,  our  native  land  ! 


Farewell  to  the  Missionaries: 

Suns  at  their  embarcation, 

SOVEREIGN  of  worlds  ! display  thy  pow’r, 
Be  this  thy  Zion’s  favour’d  hour  ; 

Bid  the  bright  morning  star  arise. 

And  point  the  nations  to  the  skies. 

Set  up  thy  throne  where  Satan  reigns, 

On  Afric’s  shore,  on  India’s  plains  ; 

On  wilds  and  continents  unknown — 

And  be  the  universe  thy  own  ! 

Speak — and  the  w orld  shall  hear  thy  voice  j 
Speak — and  the  deserts  shall  rejoice  ! 
Scatter  the  shades  of  moral  night  ; 

Let  worVliless  Idols  flee  the  light  ! 


S4* 

Trusting  in  Him,  dear  brethren,,  rear 
The  Gospel  Standard,  void  of  fear : 

Go,  seek  with  joy  your  destin’d  shore, 

^ To  view  your  native  land  no  more. 

Yes — Christian  Heroes  ! — go — proclaim 
Salvation  through  IMMANUEL’s  name  i 
To  Ceylon’s  Isle  the  tidings  bear. 

And  plant  the  Rose  of  Shauon  there. 

He’ll  shield  you  with  a wall  of  fire, 

"With  flaming  zeal  your  breasts  inspire  s 
Bid  raging  winds  their  fury  cease. 

And  hush  the  tempest  into  peace. 

And  when  our  labours  all  are  o’er. 

Then  we  shall  meet  to  part  no  more  $ 
Meet  with  the  blood-bought  throng  to  fall. 
And  crown  our  Jesus,  LORD  OF,  ALL  ! 


N 


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